Salford sends 'critical' message to residents as COVID cases rise

Salford City Council is sending an urgent, critical message to the local community and businesses to avoid further restrictions as coronavirus cases are escalating in the city.

Further government restrictions could include food and drink businesses opening only for takeaways, limited venue opening times, and a blanket restriction on meeting outdoors.

Salford’s infection rate has seen a sharp increase with cases continuing to rise – positive coronavirus cases now stand at around 80 per 100,000 people (as of 10/09/2020), with transmission across all communities, different age groups and in all areas of the city.

The council’s Director of Public Health for Salford, Dr Muna Abdel Aziz is asking residents to:

• Wear face coverings in shops and all public places, as much as possible

• Keep two metres apart from people outside of households at all times

• Avoid physical contact with anyone outside households, including shaking hands

• If unwell to stay at home and if Coronavirus symptoms develop, then get tested

• Follow Track and Trace advice and if notified, to stay at home for 14 days

Dr Muna Abdel Aziz added: “These steps will protect residents from the spread of the virus, keep social settings and workplaces open, as well as schools so that they are safe to continue to provide education for young people.”

Salford has remained part of the Greater Manchester local restrictions but the city leaders are concerned the measures are not working and could be increased by government to reduce social interaction in venues such as pubs and restaurants.

The council is stepping up information on the basic preventative actions needed to ensure people clearly understand what’s required.

'Cases are now showing up across our communities'

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I am really concerned about the levels of COVID-19 positive cases in the city and especially concerned that cases are now showing up across all our communities and across age groups.

“There is the potential for the spread of the virus to vulnerable residents which could have tragic consequences for families and loved ones.

“I am calling for local people to show the Spirit of Salford in protecting each other – following all the basic advice, abiding by the Greater Manchester restrictions and voluntarily to:

• Avoid non-essential journeys on public transport

• Wear face coverings in all indoor public venues at all times unless medically exempt.

“We will monitor businesses:

• To enforce the tightening of track and trace responsibilities in the hospitality sector.

• To ask restaurants and pubs to operate advanced booking systems.

“We will also robustly challenge applications for events and gatherings and have taken the decision to reluctantly cancel major events for this year's Bonfire Night.”

Councillor Gina Reynolds, Lead Member for Adult Services and Health and Wellbeing added “We know people have enjoyed more social freedom, such as having a meal out with their immediate family or meeting family and friends in outdoor spaces. If we are not to lose this, we need to act now.

“It’s also imperative to support local businesses which are the lifeblood of our communities and keep them open so that the Salford economy can recover.”

For the latest information and advice please visit www.salford.gov.uk